Mary and Jeff Bell Library

Brandt Badger

Brandt and Callie Badger Papers

The Brandt and Callie Badger Papers consist of approximately forty-two letters and four related documents dating from the United States Civil War. Brandt and his wife Callie Jones Badger resided in Gonzales, Texas. He served as a soldier in Cavalry Company D, Waul’s Texas Legion. This unit operated primarily in Mississippi around Vicksburg, and participated in the Battle of Holly Springs.

The Badger Papers contain correspondence between Brandt and Callie Badger between 1861 and 1863 and reflect Brandt’s activities in the Confederate military.

Also included is a newspaper clipping, an invitation, a musical performance program, a small piece of petitpoint (a small example of cross-stitch), and Badger’s official Confederate Army muster roll.

As the following descriptive inventory indicates, the letters and documents deal with a number of issues, including daily camp life for the Confederate soldiers, hospital life, and a rather detailed letter narrating the battle of Holly Springs as well as several other smaller skirmishes. They also offer a glimpse of the home front through letters from Brandt’s brother, and references made by Brandt from Callie’s letters, which unfortunately did not survive.

Brandt talks of rigorous Army drills but is pleased with his Army Captain Brown. He is coming home soon and requests that Callie wear her blue dress and send him paper for letters.

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1.19

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 6/23/1862, written from Camp Waul (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” pencil markings on the back addressed to Mrs. Badger from “P.T.H.” concerning the delivery of the letter).

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Most of the Legion is on furlough and Brandt has been appointed Hospital Stewart. France, Spain and England have acknowledged the Confederacy.

Brandt has not written in awhile since no one has traveled to Gonzales. His last letter apparently never arrived at Callie’s house. He has been moved to Arkansas. He fears that he will fail in his crops when he returns due to lack of rain.

Brandt’s campmates envy the amount of letters he recieves regularly. He complains of “Negreos” stealing the rails off of the RR tracks, of general sickness in the camp, and the fact that his mare is now lame.

Brandt’s division is still on the run, burning camp equipment to escape the pursuing Yankees. He writes of the desire to return to Vicksburg and visit friends, and of the death of many of his comrades. Russia has consented to offer propositions of peace.

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1.33

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 1/3/1863, written 3 miles from Preston (no cover).

Brandt notes the possibility of peace when a lady from the North visits the Confederate Army with peace propositions. He also notes several desertions in the camp after this news, but remains with high optimism.

Letter is similar to one dated 1/7/1863, but he states he "can refrain from writing to you no longer." Brandt notes the possibility of peace when a lady from the North visits the Confederate Army with peace propositions. He also notes several desertions in the camp after this news, but remains with high optimism.

It is raining incessantly in camp, and Brandt complains of the monotony of camp life.

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2.5

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 3/3/1863, written 15 miles south of Vicksburg (no cover).

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Brandt is spending his time with a friend of his father’s. The Legion is moving to a new neighborhood where “foraging is better.” He describes the beauty of Mississippi countryside and sends his love to all.

Brandt praises Callie’s frugality in paying debts and economizing. He complains of the lack of food in camp, and subsequent poor health of the soldiers, including himself. Callie’s aunt has moved in with her, much to Brandt’s dismay.

Brandt is sick with jaundice, but he is feeling well fed by a local wealthy man. He reminds Callie to continue to pay small debts, and inquires if she is pregnant. The Confederates have succeeded in getting troops loaded onto transports and down the Mississippi.

Brandt mourns the recent loss of his baby boy, but is joyful that the child “has gone to join his little sister.” He is still stationed in Mississippi, and has been appointed to the position of Hospital Stewart.

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2.9

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 6/23/1863, written from Panola, Mississippi (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” postmark in upper right-hand corner), included with letter is a sheet of cross-stitch material with a yellow arrow laced in red and green flowers (possible bookmark).

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Brandt is involved in a small skirmish, and is captured. He relays the news of his capture and parole by the Yankees. He now is trying to get permission for a furlough to go home.

Lee has brought his army to Pennsylvania, and McGruder has captured several prisoners and taken New Orleans. Brandt’s father has died of starvation, a prisoner of the Yankee army. Brandt is looking to find an army position for his brother.

Brandt is sick and writes to request leave of absence to go home. He talks of life in camp after the battle of Vicksburg, and how he has now given up smoking and swearing. He asks how life is back home and how his slaves and household servants are doing. Towards the end, he urges Callie to start saving every bit of silver she can find for “ hard times”. He is planning to leave camp as soon as possible.

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2.12

Brandt Badger leave of absence from West Point, Mississippi, 8/23/1863, written from West Point, Mississippi (no cover).

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Brandt is granted leave of absence from the Yankee West Point Hospital, signed Dr. Thompson, soon after his capture.

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2.13

(Unknown author) 5/30/1864, written from Victoria, Texas (no cover).

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Orders discharging Private B. Badger from duties and establishing a point of return to duties by the Confederate Army, after his exchange.

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2.14

(Unknown author), 7/29/1864, written from Gonzales, Texas (no cover).

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Brandt’s sick leave is extended once more by the Confederate Army.

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2.15

Written by E.L. Beaumont, 1/27/1865, from Gonzales, Texas (no cover).

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Brandt's sick report citing “nervous irritability” and “general physical frustation.” He is ordered to present himself before the Board for examination of health upon the conclusion of his furlough.